San Diego  The major contenders for San Diego mayor aren’t wasting any time with just 70 days until the special election as they rack up endorsements, hold press events and raise money for what could be a free-for-all for the city’s top job.

Democratic City Councilman David Alvarez formally kicked off his campaign Monday to become the city’s first Latino mayor on Monday from Presidio Park, the site of the first Spanish settlement in the city.

Flanked by more than 50 supporters, Alvarez said he plans to refocus City Hall on helping neighborhoods and fulfilling the unmet promises of political ally Mayor Bob Filner, who resigned Aug. 30 amid allegations of sexual misconduct.

“What brings all of us here today is that we believe that this special election has given San Diego a chance to put the past behind,” Alvarez said. “We have a choice: Do we remain mired in the conflicts and corruption of the past, or do we move forward together to build a brighter future?”

He added, “I’m running for mayor because I believe that San Diego is bigger than any one special interest. That by coming together around our shared values, we can solve all our problems. That working families, not well-connected businesses, are the heart of San Diego.”

Meanwhile Councilman Kevin Faulconer, the lone high-profile Republican in the race, received his party’s endorsement late Monday as expected after power brokers cleared the field for him.

“I’m honored and humbled,” Faulconer said in a statement. “The party was there for San Diego when we fought to stop a city-wide sales tax increase in 2010 and pass comprehensive pension reform last year. I share its commitment to protecting taxpayers, promoting economic prosperity throughout our region and restoring integrity at City Hall.”

He was also endorsed by former Councilman Carl DeMaio, who had considered dropping his bid for Congress and running for mayor until a week ago.

The waters are a lot muddier on the Democratic side of the field as Alvarez is joined by former Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher and former City Attorney Michael Aguirre. Former Assemblywoman Lori Saldaña filed her intent to run Friday but didn’t make it official as was expected Monday.

Alvarez, 33, has the backing of the influential San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council but will have to overcome low name recognition citywide in the Nov. 19 special election. The Barrio Logan native appears to be the heir apparent for progressive Democrats who supported Filner’s political ideology but were disappointed by his personal failings. He’s also a current representative of southern San Diego neighborhoods that have been frustrated with what they say has been scant attention from City Hall in recent decades.

The biggest hurdle in the way of Alvarez’s mayoral bid is Fletcher, who has picked endorsements from city unions representing firefighters, lifeguards and white-collar workers. Fletcher faces skeptics from within the party over his switch from Republican to independent to Democrat since March of last year.

Asked about Fletcher, Alvarez said, “I have a clear record. People know who I am. Nathan, while he ran for mayor last year I think he had a different set of values that he is trying to persuade voters that he has now and so that’s going to be his hurdle. And my hurdle is going to be being able to compete with all the money he’s going to have from a lot of big corporations. It’s a reality and we all know that.”

The two Democrats will likely be battling over the next couple weeks for money and endorsements from many of the same people.

Fletcher, who received the endorsement of several prominent Latino leaders last week, got the backing of state Sen. Marty Block, D-San Diego, on Monday.

“I have worked very closely with Nathan Fletcher to protect children from predators, reduce class size in San Diego schools, create jobs, spur economic development, and improve the quality of life for all San Diegans,” Block said in a statement. “Nathan’s intellect, abilities and commitment to service are indisputable. I know he will be the forward-thinking, collaborative and inspiring leader whom our city needs as its next mayor.”

Aguirre and Saldaña could play the role of dark-horse candidates in the race, stealing votes away from both Alvarez and Fletcher in the process.

Aguirre met with the U-T San Diego editorial board Monday and said he’s grown since his combative 2004-08 tenure as city attorney that ended with a landslide loss to current City Attorney Jan Goldsmith in 2008.

“It was disappointing, but in a way it was the best thing to happen to me because I’m a better leader than I would have been had I been re-elected,” Aguirre said. “ …I’d love to have that opportunity again. To have maybe a second chance to make a first impression on the people of San Diego. I was elected before in a time of crisis. We’re in a time of crisis right now and I think that I can help bring our city back.”

Besides the five major contenders, 28 lesser-known people have filed their intent to run. To qualify for the ballot, each needs to pay a $500 fee and collect 200 signatures from registered city voters by Sept. 20.

The first scheduled mayoral debate is set for Sept. 27 at the annual “Spirit of the Barrio” luncheon hosted by the Family Health Centers of San Diego. Alvarez, Faulconer and Fletcher have all confirmed they will attend.